HOW TO KEEP FACE SKIN HEALTHY AND BEAUTIFUL AT ANY AGE

A few tips that will reveal the secrets of youthful skin

INNA CODRU , JANUARY 30, 2018

The aging process is an inevitability today, but the rate of aging is not the same for everyone. Some manage to significantly slow it down. It's never too late to take some steps to keep your skin looking young and healthy. Listed below are nine useful tips that will help you understand how to maintain youthful facial skin after 30, and after 35, and at almost any age.

How does age affect the condition of your skin? Internal aging is a process that occurs over many years without the influence of external factors. Here are a few key points:

• By the age of 20, the process of skin exfoliation is reduced by 28 percent.


• After 30, the transfer of moisture from the dermis to the epidermis slows down, and the number of subcutaneous fat cells begins to decline.


• Upon reaching the age of 40, collagen in the body practically ceases to be produced, which leads to the formation of wrinkles and flabbiness of the skin.


• Around age 50, the sebaceous glands shrink and your skin becomes dry and easily damaged. Menopause causes a drop in estrogen levels, making the skin drier, thinner, and weaker.

External aging is a consequence of environmental influences such as smoking, pollution (especially in large cities) and ultraviolet radiation, which generates free radicals. These molecules, figuratively speaking, "pull" electrons from other molecules, which leads to a change in the chemical structure of cells and leads to a violation of the biological functions of the body.

Another threat comes from glucose. The reaction that occurs between various reducing carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, etc.) and free amino groups of proteins and nucleic acids of a living organism. This process is associated with age and produces advanced glycation end products . They are responsible for the fact that the skin becomes more fragile and less elastic with age. In addition, ultraviolet light damages DNA molecules and accelerates the formation of wrinkles on the skin.

SOME TIPS HOW TO PRESERVE YOUTH AND HEALTHY FACE SKIN

Protect your skin from the sun

Whenever you go outside, whether it's cloudy or sunny, the sun is working on your skin, just remember that. The best way to prevent the ill effects of this is to avoid sun exposure. Try to stay out of the midday sun as much as possible from 10 am to 4 pm. When you are outside, go on the side where there are more shady areas.

You can also use such a "shadow" rule. If your shadow is longer than you, then the UV exposure you receive is low, if your shadow is shorter than you, then the UV exposure you receive is high.

Apply sunscreen every time you go out in the sun. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 or higher. Buy a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays .

Don't forget the lips too. Use a lip balm or cream with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your lips from burning. Protection is especially important when you are near water, in highlands or in tropical climates.

After applying sunscreen, wait 10 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun. You should apply sunscreen evenly to all exposed parts of your body. Reapply sunscreen every two to three hours of sun exposure, and after swimming or if you sweat heavily.

The skin around your eyes is thin, which is where crow's feet start to appear. Wear sunglasses for extra protection. To protect your head, wear a wide-brimmed hat or a light scarf.

If you forgot about sunscreen (who doesn't) and spent a lot of time in the sun, then take aloe vera juice directly from the plant and apply it to areas exposed to heavy sun exposure. The nourishing aloe juice will help heal your skin. Remember that tanning beds emit the same ultraviolet light as the sun. Thus, they are NOT a safer alternative to being in the sun. For a safer tan, try a self-tanner (cream or lotion).

Proper skin care will also help keep you young.

Cleaning: You do not need to buy expensive products for this. You just need to achieve the right skin care that is right for you. When washing your face, do not rub your face, use a mild cleanser or soap. Facial cleansing removes dead skin cells plus all the dirt and debris.

Wash your face with plenty of warm water and then pat your face dry with a towel. If you have dry and sensitive skin, use a more gentle cleanser. Use an oil-free foaming facial cleanser for oily skin.

Moisturizing: It is important to understand that all skin types need moisture. Apply some moisturizer while your skin is still damp. This will add moisture to the skin, giving it elasticity and preventing wrinkles. If you have oily skin or acne, try a lighter, oil-free moisturizer. Thus, it will not block the pores on the facial skin. And don't forget(!) to moisturize other parts of the body.

Makeup: Do not layer makeup on your face. Choose a simpler makeup, preferably oil-free. Throw away all makeup that is older than one year. Always use new sponges and applicators. Don't go to bed until you've washed off all of your daytime makeup because makeup left on your skin clogs pores and causes breakouts. Use a mild cleanser or make-up remover to thoroughly wash it off.

Bath Oil: Bath oils should include natural oils and other healing elements that promote healing and help soothe and nourish the skin. These oils help rejuvenate the skin. A warm bath, among other things, improves blood circulation. These oils help improve the production of collagen, which makes your skin more elastic, which in turn keeps your skin looking younger and fresher for longer.

Pedicure and Manicure: A pedicure is not only nail care, it is a whole ritual that is designed to provide complete foot care. A properly performed pedicure relieves fatigue, relieves foot problems and simply cheers you up.

Manicure itself improves the health of the nails, but this procedure can also include keeping the skin of the hands in excellent condition. During this procedure, dead skin cells are removed. And the manicure itself improves and stimulates blood circulation.

Fighting acne: don't squash those pimples. If you periodically squeeze them out, this can lead to infection and permanent scarring of the skin. Do you need it? You can try any of the specialty products available at pharmacies, or try some tried and tested tips . If after that your blackheads do not go away and increase in number, consult a dermatologist.

A healthy lifestyle will prevent early skin aging

The way you lead your life no doubt affects your skin. You may need to make a few changes to the way you live, but it will no doubt be very beneficial for your entire body, especially your skin.

quality sleep

Researchers have found that the quality of sleep affects the functionality of the skin and its susceptibility to aging. The results of the study show that lack of sleep increases the rate of skin aging. They even had a slower recovery after skin exposure to various negative environmental factors, such as increased ultraviolet radiation.

The participants in the experiment, who had systematic sleep disorders, showed increased signs of internal skin aging, such as uneven pigmentation, the appearance and deepening of wrinkles, a decrease in elasticity, and a general weakening of the skin.

Physical exercise

Stop wasting your money on expensive anti-aging creams. Scientists have found that regular exercise is the key to slowing down the aging process of the skin. The researchers asked half of the participants to exercise for 3 hours a week. The other half remained sedentary. Three months later, in each of the participants, scientists examined the same areas of the skin. I will say right away that the skin areas on the buttocks of these volunteers were examined.

So, when comparing samples before and after the experiment, the skin of the buttocks of those who systematically trained was healthier and younger than those who led a sedentary lifestyle. Even the skin of the buttocks of 65-year-old volunteers was identical to the skin of 30 or 40-year-olds.

Keep your skin hydrated

Water keeps your skin cells hydrated and helps remove toxins. It fills the skin cells, making the skin less wrinkled. Dehydration can affect the type of oil your skin secretes, which in turn can lead to acne. By the way, drinking a glass of water with lemon juice in the morning on an empty stomach will eventually help improve the color of your skin, not to mention other beneficial effects, but more on that another time.

Nutritious Diet

Include foods high in antioxidants in your diet, these are great foods for a youthful complexion because they stimulate cell repair and keep your cells producing collagen and elastin.

Below are the best products to keep your skin looking youthful:

• Almonds - rich in vitamin E


• Chia seeds - rich in omega-3 fatty acids


• Tomatoes - contain lycopene, which fights skin aging well.


• Watermelon is a great source of moisture replenishment


• Potat is a rich source of carotenoids and vitamin C.


• Citrus fruits are good sources of vitamin C


• Red hot pepper - a source of capsaicin, which improves blood circulation


• Spinach - rich in folic acid and B vitamins


• Olive oil and safflower oil - rich in omega-6, which keeps the skin supple.


• Coconut oil - great for fighting bacteria


• Sunflower seeds - rich in selenium, which helps preserve elastin


• Sesame seeds - rich in zinc, which reduce the amount of sebum


• Carrots - rich in vitamin A carotenoids


• Dark chocolate is an excellent and delicious source of antioxidants.


• Whole grains - loaded with B vitamins


• Apples - contain quercetin, which protects the skin from sun damage


• Protein of animal and plant origin - both are necessary to improve skin elasticity.

Using natural products will keep your skin looking youthful

There are many natural and easy-to-use products that, when used externally, will keep your body beautiful and youthful:

• Shea Butter: It has healing as well as moisturizing abilities.


• Cucumber: It contains caffeic acid and ascorbic acid, which are good for skin health.


• Used tea bags: help reduce dark circles under the eyes.


• Exfoliation: The exfoliation of dead skin cells brings a fresh glow to your skin. You can make your own exfoliating scrub.


• Epsom Salts: Epsom salts help to relax, detoxify, and heal the skin.


• Coconut Oil: Pure, natural coconut oil


• Vitamin K helps reduce dark circles under the eyes and prevents wrinkles.


• Avocados: They moisturize the skin, treat sunburn, reduce wrinkles and soften the skin.


• Mineral water: Sprinkling mineral water on the skin helps to reduce skin irritation and promotes skin hydration.

IMPORTANT LINK: HEALTHY MIND - HEALTHY SKIN

It is indeed true, there is a strong link between brain health and skin health. This is a new direction of science, which today is of considerable interest. Scientists have found that the mental, physical and emotional state directly affects the condition of your skin.

When you are under stress, you release hormones that promote inflammation. Skin cells become irritated and increase inflammation and allergic reactions. Cell production of the necessary moisturizing and lubricating fluids is reduced, which prevents healing, healing and restoration of the skin. Skin conditions worsen when you are under stress.

The connection between the brain and the skin is so strong that our skin can be called the "brain outside". In fact, as it turned out, the same substances (melatonin, serotonin and cortisol) that the brain uses are present in the skin. It is clear that the health and appearance of the skin is a reflection of the health of the whole body and brain.

By the way, not only the brain affects the skin. The intestinal flora also has this influence. The altered gut microbiota promotes the emergence of neuropeptide P, which plays a significant role in all skin conditions. The intestinal flora affects the production of sebum, which increases the risk of developing acne (pimples). Make sure to include PROBIOTICS in your diet for a healthy gut microbiome.

READ THE COMPOSITION OF COSMETIC PRODUCTS CAREFULLY

Your personal care products and beauty products may contain cancer-causing chemicals and reproductive toxins. However, do not doubt that organic products are not only safer, but also help to significantly improve the health of the body and, consequently, the health of your skin. The Environmental Working Group presents a list of hazardous chemicals that may be added to certain cosmetic products:

• Coal tar found in anti-dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams causes cancer


• Fragrances in some perfumes may include phthalates, which disrupt the endocrine system


• Hydroquinone, found in moisturizers, is a neurotoxin


• Aluminum, found in nail polish and eye shadow, causes Alzheimer's disease.


• Triclosan found in antibacterial products causes birth defects


• P-Phenylenediamine, found in hair dyes, damages your nervous system.


• Lead found in lipsticks is a neurotoxin


• Mercury used as a cosmetic preservative is called thimerosal bonding to increased levels of autism.

This does not mean, of course, that you need to give up manicure or lipstick. Just try to be more responsible in choosing your cosmetics. Some manufacturers do not care about your health as much as their own profit.

SMOKING IS HARMFUL FOR YOUR SKIN

According to a Johns Hopkins study, if you smoke, you are four times more likely to experience anxiety compared to non-smokers. Experts say that smoking accelerates aging. Therefore, smokers often look older (according to statistics, about a quarter) than non-smokers. Smoking, plus everything, significantly increases the risk of psoriasis.

The toxic chemicals in the smoke alter the DNA in your hair follicles and produce chemicals that damage the DNA itself. Thus, smokers have thinner hair and turn gray earlier than non-smokers. Nicotine causes vasoconstriction, which can restrict the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your face and other parts of your body. The result is dry wrinkled skin and, as a bonus, the formation of deep facial wrinkles 😨.

Cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide, which slows down the absorption of oxygen into your skin. The nicotine in your blood keeps your skin dry and dull. Its presence in the blood depletes the available vitamin C, which protects your skin from damage.

And finally, smoking is the main cause of skin cancer. The nicotine found in cigarettes damages the connective tissues and fibers in the skin, resulting in a loss of elasticity and strength. It also contributes to the formation of "stretch marks". Not only that, but cigarette smoke puts oxidative stress on the lens of the eye and increases the risk of developing cataracts.

Summing up

To enjoy a radiant complexion and smooth texture, maintain adequate levels of high quality protein, vitamin C, biotin and copper in your diet.

To keep your skin supple, reduce your intake of saturated and partially hydrogenated fats. For healthy skin tone and reduction of age spots, it is worth reducing the intake of simple (fast) carbohydrates and gradually switch to complex (slow) carbohydrates .

If you suffer from acne, reduce your intake of milk and cheese and try to cleanse your face properly. Don't forget about vitamins. Over time, you will definitely understand how important the right vitamins are for youth and beauty of the skin. Responsibly approach the choice of cosmetics and compiling your diet. Quit smoking. Avoid, if possible, stress, keep a positive attitude and your skin will be healthy and beautiful at any age.